Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002)ExemptionsMinisters Immigration Directive No 20 of 2025 - Extension of Validity of Exemptions granted in terms of Section 31(2)(b) of the ActNotice No. R. 6715 of 2025 |
Notice No. R. 6715
7 October 2025
GG 53483
Department of Home Affairs
NOTICE TO ALL LESOTHO EXEMPTION PERMIT HOLDERS
| 1. | I, Dr L. A. Schreiber, MP, Minister of Home Affairs having, with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, ("Immigration Act") have decided to extend the validity of the Lesotho Exemption Permits ("LEP") until 28 May 2027. |
| 2. | The Immigration Advisory Board (“IAB”) was appointed by me with effect from 01 April 2025. The IAB has met on several occasions and deliberated amongst themselves on the immediate future and a long-term solution for holders of LEP permits. Critical stakeholders will need to be part of a consultation process. |
| 3. | Pending the conclusion of consultations, I directed that: |
| 3.1 | existing LEPs shall be deemed to remain valid for an additional (18) eighteen months after the current expiry date of 28 November 2025; |
| 3.2 | no holder of the exemption may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate; |
| 3.3 | the holder of an exemption certificate may be allowed to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa in terms of section 9 of the Immigration Act, read together with the Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided that he or she complies with all other requirements for entry into and departure from the Republic, save for the reason of not having a valid visa endorsed in his or her passport; and |
| 3.4 | no LEP holder should be required to produce a valid exemption certificate, visa or an authorisation letter to remain in the Republic as contemplated in section 32(1) of the Immigration Act when making an application for any category of the visa for temporary sojourn in the Republic as contemplated in section 10(2) of the Immigration Act. |
Any enquiry related to the contents of this Directive, should be directed to the Department's Contact Centre at [email protected]
THUS DONE AND SIGNED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS 3rd DAY OF OCTOBER 2025.
Dr L.A. Schreiber, MP
Minister of Home Affairs